OSLO, Norway—Although relatively more sunny than the other cities of Scandinavia, this city’s streets look pretty much the same with open-air cafés and gardens in the middle of the streets. Their city center is probably one of the smallest in Europe.

What is quite palpably different though is the sense of freedom and security. Policemen and guards are also present, but they seem to be more engrossed with exchanging pleasantries and giving directions to tourists than keeping peace and order. Even the Royal Palace reflects this feeling of freedom from any fear of lawlessness. There are no tall fences, and the gardens are open to the public. Couples and families can be seen picnicking in the palace grounds, or walking their dogs.

Norwegians, who are one of the happiest people in the world based on validated surveys, have really no reason to worry about the most important things in their lives. They are well taken care of by their government from cradle to grave, according to Nour Alv Larsen, a gentle and affable local resident.

Worry-free in all aspects

Norwegians seem to be worry-free in all aspects including their healthcare maintenance, says Nour. They obviously have an efficient healthcare system. Financed by the national government, each county (kommune) is tasked with implementing health service for the public.

Most communities have a public medical clinic (helsesenter) and residents go to these clinics to make an appointment to see a doctor. The first-line physician is a general practitioner or a family physician, who is well-trained in managing most ordinary medical problems. For the more complicated ones, patients are referred to the specialist.

There are also special clinics for well-baby care (helsestasjon). Parents are reminded to bring their children on a regular basis even if they don’t feel anything. In these visits their growth and development are charted; the necessary immunizations are given. The clinics are staffed by well-trained physicians and nurses specializing in well-baby care and child development. Parents are encouraged to ask questions and discuss concerns about their child.

Children are also periodically examined by the kommunal dentist starting at age three. There are usually dental clinics near the schools and the child’s appointments are sent to the parents by mail. The parents have to make sure they bring their children to the dentist at the appointed time lest they get a nasty note that if they fail to come again for the next appointment, their children will be taken out of the system. And that means losing the benevolence of the Norwegian government which pays for the children’s dentistry needs.

Enviable system

Norway really has an enviable system for health services and social security or welfare. Not only are Norwegians and residents entitled to economic assistance and other forms of community support during illness, they are also well taken care of in old age or when they get unemployed.

That the Norwegian government can afford to give all these benefits is not a wonder since about 35 percent of the state’s budget is allocated for welfare benefits. One can only wish we could have the same healthcare and social welfare model in our country.

Nour says they sleep soundly at night knowing that even their children’s grandchildren are well provided for already with more than a trillion dollars in savings and invested funds reserved for them.

With less than five million population and a much smaller workforce compared to many countries, it makes one wonder why the Norwegian government has so much money assuring the welfare of generations to come. We asked Nour: “Is there graft and corruption in your government?” He gave us a perplexed look and answered, “What is the meaning of graft and corruption?”

We look forward to the generation when a Filipino can also give the same innocent look when asked about graft and corruption in the government.